👋 Hey Reader!
Here’s what I’ve got for you in today’s issue of WFH Dads:
→ A non-coder’s guide to teaching kids code
→ Recommendation of the week - Deep Questions podcast
Let's get into it.
A non-coder’s guide to teaching kids code
My daughter is in kindergarten at a classical school.
She’s memorizing poetry. She’s learning to read and write. Even singing songs in Latin. She’s thriving.
One of the things about classical education, though, is that it’s pretty low on technology—which in a lot of ways, I support (especially in the younger grades).
But here’s the tension: we live in a tech-saturated world.
And while I have taught coding before, it was as a middle school elective teacher. I didn’t study computer science, and honestly, I was learning right alongside my students those first few years.
I’m not a professional coder in any regard.
Which is exactly why I love the tool I’m using with my 5-year-old. You don’t have to know how to code to help your kids start learning.
How I set it up
I had an old Chromebook lying around that I never used.
I dusted it off, created a login for her with the Gmail account we had reserved when she was born, and set it up so she could literally do nothing except access the apps and websites I pre-approve.
Right now she only has access to one website: Code.org
The beauty of Code.org is that it’s built for kids and parents. All the resources, scaffolding, and puzzles are built in.
No technical knowledge required.
Why coding at 5?
It sounds wild, but Code.org has fundamentals of computer science for all grade levels—even kindergarten.
Everything is block-based, so she doesn’t need to be a fluent reader yet.
She’s learning to think algorithmically:
- “Move the character forward 3 spaces.”
- “Turn left.”
- “Repeat that 5 times.”
Within a week, she figured out how to use loops instead of just dragging “move forward” five times in a row.
That smile when she solved the puzzle? Worth it.
The hidden lessons
Coding is just the start.
She’s also learning:
- how to use a trackpad (she actually prefers it over a mouse now)
- how to minimize Chrome and come back to her tab
- how to self-regulate (“I think I’m done for today” usually comes after 45 minutes)
Takeaways for WFH dads
This experience has reminded me of a bigger principle: not all screen time is created equal.
Here’s the framework I’m using to guide her—and that you can apply too:
- Curate the tech → Give them access to one intentional tool (for us, that’s Code.org). Don’t overwhelm them with options.
- Keep it creative → Focus on activities that build something—problem-solving, learning, or creating—not just consuming.
- Watch for self-regulation → Notice when they’ve had enough. My daughter usually calls it quits after 45 minutes on her own, which shows me she’s learning to balance tech with rest.
- Make it connective → On afternoons she’s home early, we’ll “co-work.” She’s on Code.org, I’m finishing a project, and we share the wins together.
The lesson: screen time doesn’t have to be the enemy.
When it’s curated and purposeful, it can be one of the most valuable skills you pass on.
Because if we don’t guide them into the tech world intentionally, then the Instagrams and TikToks of the world will be happy to take on that responsibility.
If you want to check code.org out, it's completely free and here's a walkthrough on how to set up an account for your kid and link it to your parent account.
Recommendation of the week
Cal Newport is the author of Deep Work, Digital Minimalism, and Slow Productivity. I didn't know he had a podcast until recently and have been really enjoying it. It's all about productivity as knowledge workers (ie. people who work on computers) in the modern age.
He is surprisingly funny; most of his books don't really showcase that side of his personality. A lot of the show is answering listener questions which I've found really helpful.
One interesting episode was called 'I want work/life balance. Am I doomed to mediocrity.' He explores the tension between wanting to excel in your work while also wanting to be present with your family. I'm considering writing a whole newsletter on my thoughts on that one!
Would love to hear your thoughts on teaching technology skills to your kids, particularly when they're little and how you've approached it.
Reply to this email and let me know. I read and respond to all of them.
Thanks again for being a part of this community!
|
|
Thom Gibson
Founder of WFH Dads
|
|
PS:
I’m planning to open up a few one-on-one coaching spots soon — specifically for ambitious WFH dads who want to stop working nights and weekends without sacrificing their career.
If that sounds like something you’d want to hear more about, join the waitlist and I’ll keep you posted.
👉 Join the waitlist here
|
